So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed – It’s What We’re Reading

December 1, 2015

December 2015

A monthly offering from Drexel Library’s staff about the books we’ve read.

So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed
Ronson, Jon

Author Jon Ronson describes social media sites, such as Twitter, have provided a “voice to the voiceless.” It is a place for one to express opinions and feelings, sometimes using this voice to right a wrong. This free expression however has turned into another venue for online shaming and internet vigilantism. Ronson details the experiences of people who have felt the brunt of the humiliation after making mistakes, on Twitter, in their personal life or career. The author explains that while the person in question may deserve some ridicule, the forcefulness and the extent of the damage makes Ronson draw comparisons to angry mobs brandishing pitchforks and putting the accused in stockades for public humiliation. More disturbing is that Ronson points out the schadenfreude and the sense of justice felt by those that have dehumanized the wrong doer. Even if the person “had it coming” does the punishment fit the crime?

So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed can be found on the first floor in the Popular Reading section of the Post Learning Commons